We humans are a competitive species. Make no mistake, when it comes down to it, we aren’t a whole lot different than many others in the “animal kingdom.” Lions, hyenas, wolves, crocodiles, orca whales, gorillas, and even ants (small but fierce warriors) all exhibit extremely competitive behavior toward each other, vying for food, mates, territory, and dominance. But human beings are for most part the only ones who make great attempts to rise above/override our baser instincts in the name of the greater good.[1]

We are not merely physical and territorial beings. Humans are complex creatures. While we may compete for basic needs, power, and status, at the same time, we harbor a deep spiritual hunger and yearn to find meaning and purpose in our lives, build relationships and community, and fin…